Jewish international Film Festival in Sweden Postpones Opening Amid Security Concerns
STOCKHOLM – Sweden’s Jewish International Film Festival has been forced to postpone its planned opening on October 30 after facing widespread refusals from commercial and arthouse cinemas to host screenings, reportedly due to security concerns. Organizers say they were “stonewalled” in their attempts to secure venues for the event, prompting a temporary pause to regroup.
The festival’s postponement highlights growing anxieties surrounding public events related to Israel and Jewish culture in Europe following the October 7 attacks by Hamas and the subsequent conflict. While the exact nature of the security threats remains unclear, the situation underscores a climate of heightened sensitivity and potential risk for Jewish communities and cultural institutions.
Ola Tedin, a festival organizer, expressed bewilderment at the situation, telling Swedish broadcaster SVT she doesn’t “understand what security threat there could be with showing Jewish films.” The festival statement indicated organizers will “pause to gather strength” before seeking option venues.
Filmstaden, a Swedish movie theater chain, released a statement Saturday prioritizing “a safe and positive experience for both our guests and employees,” without directly addressing the festival’s situation. The festival is scheduled to showcase a range of films exploring Jewish life, history, and culture.The postponement leaves the future of the event uncertain as organizers navigate the challenges of securing a safe and welcoming habitat for attendees and filmmakers.
